Wrapped in a blanket of powdered sugar, these Snowball Cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are buttery melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies!
Snowball cookies are a must-make for the holidays and I usually make two batches at a time because they disappear so quickly.
Why These Cookies Are My Favorite
- They’re scrumptious!
- Fun to make and roll in powdered sugar
- Made with just just 5-6 ingredients
- Can be made with or without nuts!
Ingredients for Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the cookies after baking, providing a sweet and snowy exterior. It also adds a subtle sweetness when incorporated into the cookie dough.
- Butter: Contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and tender texture of the cookies. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, imparting a warm and aromatic taste that complements the sweetness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting overly sweet while also intensifying other flavors in the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the base ingredient, providing structure to the cookies. It helps to bind the dough together and create a tender crumb when combined with other ingredients.
- Pecans: (optional, but delicious) Adds a delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and texture to the cookies. They are finely chopped and mixed into the dough.
Snowball Cookies Recipe Directions
Step 1: Mix together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir the salt into the flour. Mix flour mixture in with sugar mixture to form dough. If adding pecans, mix those in as well.
Step 2: Roll the snowball cookie dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set but not brown. Very carefully, transfer to a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: While still warm, carefully roll in powdered sugar and place back on a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies are VERY delicate, so be gentle.
Step 5: When the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time.
STORAGE: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Helpful Tips
- Properly Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pecans or nuts before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor.
- Handle Gently: Snowball cookies are delicate, so handle them gently when rolling or transferring to prevent them from crumbling or losing their shape.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their powdered sugar coating, you might need to roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
Variations and Flavor Twists
- Chocolate Snowballs: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate citrus zest such as lemon, orange, or lime into the dough for a refreshing and tangy flavor. It adds a lovely brightness to the cookies.
- Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Toast and finely chop them before adding to the dough for varying textures and flavors.
- Spice Infusion: Add a dash of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a cozy, aromatic flavor profile perfect for the holiday season.
- Flavored Extracts: Try using different extracts like almond, coconut, or maple in place of or in addition to vanilla extract to infuse unique flavors into the cookies.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version. I make these for my daughter. Fair warning: they are much more delicate and prone to crumbling.
- Fruit and Nut Combo: Mix in finely chopped dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries along with the nuts for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Other Cookies You’ll Love
Snowball Cookies
Wrapped in a blanket of powdered sugar, these Snowball Cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are buttery melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sifted powdered sugar plus extra for rolling in
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Stir flour and salt together; blend into sugar and butter mixture. If adding nuts, mix those in as well.
- Roll dough in 1-inch balls, and place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until set but not brown.
- While still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely, and then roll in powdered sugar again.
Notes
Helpful Tips
Properly Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pecans or nuts before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor.
Handle Gently: Snowball cookies are delicate, so handle them gently when rolling or transferring to prevent them from crumbling or losing their shape.
Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their powdered sugar coating, you might need to roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 147.41kcalCarbohydrates: 12.6gProtein: 2.07gFat: 10.1gSaturated Fat: 5.19gCholesterol: 20.34mgSodium: 92.6mgPotassium: 41.67mgFiber: 0.72gSugar: 2.5gVitamin A: 236.36IUCalcium: 7.18mgIron: 0.71mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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